LIDAR Safety Ring Layout for Robotic Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety control methods for automated machines in crowded environments lack accuracy and customization, limiting their operational speed and application due to reliance on force detection, which can lead to safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of LIDAR safety rings that generate a force field around robots using LIDAR sensors and reflective surfaces to detect objects and surfaces, allowing for precise collision avoidance and operation at higher speeds by creating a customizable, three-dimensional safety zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force detection methods are used for safety control, then safety monitoring is implemented, but accuracy and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force detection mechanisms with optical LIDAR sensing. Instead of using mechanical force sensors to detect object proximity, the system employs LIDAR sensors that emit laser pulses and measure the time of flight of reflected light to detect objects and surfaces with high precision. This substitution enables both improved measurement accuracy and enhanced customization capability through software-configurable safety parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of safety parameters including detection sensitivity, safety zone distance, and response thresholds. By changing these parameters, the same LIDAR hardware can be customized for different machine types, environments, and safety requirements without hardware modifications, thereby achieving both high precision and adaptability.
2Speed
If traditional safety controls are used, then basic safety monitoring is provided, but operational speed must be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR safety ring system performs preliminary detection of objects and surfaces in the machine's path before the machine reaches them. By continuously scanning the environment and identifying potential hazards in advance, the system allows the machine to operate at higher speeds while maintaining safety through pre-computed collision avoidance trajectories and real-time safety monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If LIDAR safety rings are implemented, then detection accuracy and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal LIDAR-based safety system that can detect various types of objects (transparent, reflective, dark, moving, stationary) using the same hardware platform. The system achieves multi-functionality through software configuration rather than requiring different sensors for different detection scenarios, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If force-based safety controls are used, then simple implementation is achieved, but harmful factors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical force-based safety controls with optical LIDAR sensing, eliminating the harmful effects of force-based detection (such as triggering false alarms from incidental contact or requiring physical pressure to detect objects). The optical-based system detects objects without physical contact, thereby reducing safety risks to people and objects while managing system complexity through integrated sensor and processor units.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operational safety and efficiency by accurately detecting proximity and preventing collisions, enabling automated machines to operate at higher speeds while reducing resource requirements and improving customization for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, such as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, may be used to send light signals at different angles in the direction of a reflective surface that may surround a robot or other machine component
Implementation Method 2
The LIDAR sensor may determine a time of flight for a respective light signal and a distance threshold for the light signal based on an angle of transmission of the light signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) safety rings. An robotic apparatus may include a moveable component having a longitudinal central axis spanning between a first end and a second end, a transceiver positioned at the first end of the moveable component to emit and receive light, and a reflective surface at the first end of the moveable component. The reflective surface may reflect light signals emitted by the transceiver toward the second end, and may reflect returning light signals toward the transceiver. The robotic apparatus may include at least one processor to determine, based on the returning light signals, that an object is within a distance of the moveable component, and to change an operation of the robotic apparatus based on the object.